Synopsis
Tulsi Vivah, the ceremonial marriage of Lord Vishnu and Vrinda, is celebrated on the Dwadashi tithi. The festival marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. It involves decorating the Tulsi plant as a bride and performing wedding rituals with an idol of Lord Vishnu. Devotees sing, chant, and offer prayers to celebrate the divine union.
Tulsi Vivah is one of India's oldest festivals. It is a ceremonial marriage of Lord Vishnu and Vrinda, in the form of Shaligram and Tulsi. It is observed on the Dwadashi tithi or twelfth lunar day, and is usually celebrated in October or November.
Tulsi Vivah also begins the wedding season for Hindus which is paused during the Chaturmas, the four months when Lord Vishnu is in a deep slumber. Tulsi Vivah is considered to be the ‘Shubh Aarambh’ of the wedding season.
The legend of Tulsi Vivah centers around Vrinda, a devout wife of the demon king Jalandhar. Her unwavering faith in him kept him undefeated. The gods, threatened by his power, sought Lord Vishnu’s help. Vishnu, in disguise, tricked Vrinda into breaking her chastity, causing Jalandhar’s downfall. Furious, Vrinda cursed Vishnu to turn into a black stone, the Shaligram. Vishnu, unable to punish her purity, promised her rebirth as the Tulsi plant and vowed to marry her annually. Thus, Tulsi Vivah celebrates the divine union of Lord Vishnu and the sacred Tulsi, symbolizing faith, virtue, and devotion.
Tulsi Vivah holds deep spiritual significance as it symbolizes the divine union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, represented through the sacred Tulsi plant. It is a powerful reminder that the gods uphold the virtues of purity, righteousness, and unwavering faith, rewarding those who live with devotion and integrity. Celebrated after Devuthani Ekadashi, which marks the end of the monsoon season, Tulsi Vivah ushers in a time of new beginnings and auspicious events, including weddings. The ritual underscores the importance of faith, devotion, and the blessings that come from honoring divine energies in one’s life.
Tulsi Vivah rituals, while varying by region, follow a similar structure. The Tulsi plant, often placed in the courtyard or near the entrance, is decorated with traditional designs, draped in a red or yellow saree, and adorned with jewelry and bangles. An idol or photo of Lord Vishnu, or a Shaligram stone, is placed next to it. The area is further decorated with rangoli, flowers, and lights to create a wedding-like atmosphere.
The wedding ceremony begins with Vedic chants and prayers, often performed by a priest. A sacred thread is tied between the Tulsi plant and Lord Vishnu’s idol, symbolizing their bond. Some devotees also place a Mangalsutra on the Tulsi plant, while singing bhajans and performing aarti to celebrate the divine union.
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